KARACHI: In a major crackdown against pharmaceutical smuggling, authorities have seized unregistered Indian medicines worth Rs 50 million being illegally transported from Karachi to Gwadar.
The raid, conducted by Drug Inspector South Sajid Memon in coordination with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), led to the recovery of 18,000 boxes containing nearly 1.9 million tablets.
The operation was carried out following a tip-off, prompting a swift raid at the warehouse of Toheedi Goods Transport located in Karachi’s Lyari Chakiwara area.
The seized medicines, reportedly unregistered and of Indian origin, were intended for smuggling to the port city of Gwadar.
According to Drug Inspector Sajid Memon, the unregistered drugs are suspected to be narcotic in nature and could potentially be misused.
“These medicines were being smuggled without any regulatory approval.
Their composition suggests they could be used as addictive substances, posing serious risks to public health,” he stated.
The FIA apprehended the transporter, identified as Haji Mehboob, who is currently in custody.
Authorities have launched an in-depth investigation to trace the origins of the shipment, its intended recipients in Gwadar, and whether the operation is linked to a broader cross-border smuggling network.
“The sheer volume of tablets—nearly 1.9 million—is alarming. This was not a small-scale operation, and we suspect a larger network may be involved,” Memon added.
Officials have vowed to intensify efforts against the smuggling of unregistered and potentially harmful medicines, especially amid concerns over growing abuse of pharmaceutical substances in the region.
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The incident underscores the urgent need for tighter border controls and enhanced surveillance of goods transportation routes between major cities and coastal areas of Pakistan.In 2025, Balochistan has witnessed significant seizures of unregistered and smuggled medicines, highlighting ongoing concerns about illicit pharmaceutical activities in the region.
Major Seizures of Unregistered Medicines
In February 2025, the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) issued a rapid alert regarding several unregistered and falsified tramadol products.
These products, including “Tramaking 225 Tablets,” “New Tramadol 225 Tablets,” and “TramaKing 250 Capsules,” were seized by customs authorities.
The seized items lacked manufacturer identification and proper registration, posing significant health risks due to potential adverse reactions or therapy failures.
Additionally, in January 2025, the Secretary of the Provincial Quality Control Board (PQCB) Balochistan informed DRAP about a spurious cefixime suspension labeled “Mirzpan Suspension.” The product was found to contain no active pharmaceutical ingredient and bore a fake registration number, indicating serious concerns about its authenticity and safety.
Nationwide Crackdown on Smuggling
A nationwide crackdown against smuggling, which began in January 2024, has led to the seizure of goods worth approximately Rs 75.6 billion.
In Balochistan, two additional joint check posts have been established to prevent alternative smuggling routes, and measures such as the closure of illegal routes along the Pak-Afghan and Pak-Iran borders have been implemented.
These efforts are part of broader initiatives to combat smuggling and ensure the integrity of pharmaceutical products in the region.
For the most current and detailed information on drug seizures and regulatory actions, it is advisable to consult the official website of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) or contact local authorities directly.
